Vietnam's Top Leader Meets Acting US Navy Secretary, Vows to Strengthen Ties

Vietnam's top leader, Party General Secretary and President To Lam, met with Acting U.S. Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao in New York, affirming a commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties. Lam expressed pleasure at meeting Cao again and congratulated him on his nomination, commending his contributions to Vietnam-U.S. relations and his strong ties to his Vietnamese homeland. Lam highlighted Vietnam's development priorities, emphasizing science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as key drivers. He stated Vietnam's intention to mobilize domestic and international resources, knowledge, technology, and human capital to achieve its development goals. Vietnam considers the U.S. a strategically important partner and wishes for the stable and substantive development of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, contributing to regional and global peace, stability, and development. He noted that economic and trade ties are a pillar and driving force of bilateral relations, expressing hope for the promotion of balanced, stable, and sustainable trade, swift resolution of outstanding negotiation issues, and movement towards a reciprocal trade agreement to benefit businesses. Lam also called for strengthened U.S. cooperation in science and technology, innovation, high technology, semiconductors, energy, and supply chains, while continuing effective implementation of defense and security cooperation agreements within the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with war legacy remediation as a priority. Regarding the handover of artifacts from the former U.S. Marine Corps Camp Reasoner in Da Nang, Lam described it as a meaningful gesture of goodwill and humanitarianism, honoring peace, healing, and reconciliation. He expressed satisfaction with the success and contributions of the Vietnamese diaspora in the U.S. and globally, reaffirming their status as an integral part of the nation and a bridge for international friendship. Cao, in turn, expressed honor for the trust placed in him by President Trump for significant responsibilities, including promoting Vietnam-U.S. defense relations and contributing to regional peace and stability. He affirmed the U.S. values its relationship with Vietnam and supports a strong, independent, and prosperous Vietnam playing an increasing regional role. He acknowledged the substantial potential for cooperation in economic, trade, science-technology, and defense/security sectors, pledging to support and promote more substantive and effective bilateral, regional, and global relations. Cao stated that defense cooperation, including maritime security, is crucial for promoting peace and prosperity for both nations and regional security. He expressed a desire to expand cooperation in maritime security, capacity building, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and addressing common regional challenges. He thanked Vietnam for its cooperation in searching for U.S. servicemen missing in action and for facilitating the handover of artifacts, reaffirming U.S. commitment to supporting Vietnam in addressing war consequences. Cao expressed satisfaction with Vietnam's rapid development and high expectations for future breakthroughs. He highly appreciated the historic decisions and actions of Lam and other Vietnamese leaders, pledging to continue supporting efforts to strengthen the bonds of the Vietnamese community in the U.S. and its contributions to Vietnam's peace, resilience, development, and Vietnam-U.S. relations. Both leaders agreed to continue effectively implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, enhance mutual understanding, strengthen trust, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation, thereby contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.